Yay! 1000 sales on Etsy!
Today marks a milestone in Stylecamp's history - after 5 years in business, I've finally reached 1000 sales on the platform where it all began - the handmade marketplace that is Etsy. I've seen my idea grow from a hobby into a burgeoning business, enabling me to showcase my handmade collection to a stylish global audience looking for well-made, feel-good fashion.
Seeing and achieving that figure just reminds me of where I started and how far I've come in that time. A huge thank you to my family, friends and customers for their support over the years. At this milestone, I felt it a good opportunity to reflect on the humble beginnings of Stylecamp and imagine where it may lead in the future!
THE PAST
I'd learned all about making clothes at university and wanted to start making my own. While I was at uni, I found my unique style; a love for vintage clothing and an almost obsessive nature for thrifting and customising second-hand items, always selecting pieces with timeless qualities, most of which I still wear today.
I've always been really inspired by vintage details, however I felt it was important to create clothing that was modern and wearable, not just a reproduction. I first opened my online boutique back in 2012 with an eye-popping neon pastel collection of core jersey dresses and two piece sets that really stood out.
Original 'Neon Pastels' collection by Stylecamp
In those early days I spent nearly all of my free time in my parents' dining room, cutting, sewing and perfecting my collection, simultaneously learning everything you need to run and promote a business, whilst juggling freelance work alongside.
I had a short stint selling at the newly revamped Spitalfields market in the summer of 2014, which was a great opportunity to present my designs to a new audience and meet customers face to face. It was great to see lots of people were interested in my collection and at this point, Stylecamp really started to take off.
Stylecamp at Spitalfields Market
When I could no longer source the pastel fabrics I needed for my collection that had brought so much success, it proved a real turning point for Stylecamp; I had to adjust quickly or face giving up all of my hard work.
THE PRESENT
Fast forward to today and those decisions I made at a pivotal crossroads have seen my business steadily on the up. My parents are grateful to have their house back and I now have my own small workspace in London where I still make every order myself.
Although the way I make things has evolved over the years, aesthetically, my designs haven't changed very much. It's this timeless nature that I love most about designing for Stylecamp. I like to keep the range fresh with new and exciting fabrics that bring variation to my original designs while maintaining their simplicity.
I've also introduced some fabulous mainstays that have earned their permanent place in the collection - for instance, the Ava top and shorts set, the Marlene jumpsuit and the Lombard dress have all been really popular. Original glamorous favourites such as the Marilyn dress have also had a re-vamp to fit with the new fabrics.
New designs to Stylecamp
One of the things that really gives me motivation is all the lovely feedback I've received from happy customers over the years. Even now, I still get a real sense of happiness when a customer takes the time to leave a review or send a picture in their Stylecamp outfit.
Stylecamp reviews
Seeing 1000+ Stylecamp pieces ship to all corners of the globe - the UK, Europe, Singapore, Canada, Australia and the US to name a few - from my little sewing space, is honestly mind-blowing. It's an ambition of mine to one day send something to every country in the world. Watch this space!
THE FUTURE
With the re-launch of my website and shop last year, I'm working on the goal of growing Stylecamp as a style 'hub', a place you can come to not just for unique clothing and accessories, but also for outfit and style inspiration.
Although my main focus for the collection has always be on summer holidays and vintage Riviera style, I can sense my designs branching further into occasionwear. Stylecamp clothes are designed to make you feel good in your skin, whether it's something you want to wear over and over again or save for a special occasion. In particular, it's been so lovely to have made clothing for many happy Stylecamp brides and their bridesmaids on their special day.
Stylecamp brides and bridesmaids
I'm really excited to take my future plans for Stylecamp forward and can't wait to see where this new path will take me - here's to the next 5 years of handmade Riviera style!
TO SAY THANK YOU...
Celebrating 1000 sales on Etsy with a massive THANK YOU!
I'm celebrating 1000 sales in my Etsy shop with a huge THANK YOU to all my customers and supporters. This week only (11th November to Sunday 18th November 2018), I'm offering 10% off everything with the code 1000THANKS in both my online and Etsy shops.
If you want to learn more about the inpiration and process behind Stylecamp, be sure to visit my Handmade and Mood Board pages.